The Linden Hotel, still the 'House of plenty'

By: Vera Hogan , Editor 04/13/2003

Today, after 163 years of existence, The Linden Hotel continues to serve as the city's center of hospitality. In fact, during last week's power outages, as a result of ice storms, people called The Linden Hotel asking to book a room. One individual asked if the pool was still open, said Executive Chef Doug Henry with a chuckle. Although The Linden Hotel does not offer rooms to rent anymore, they did until about five years ago, when the entire second floor was renovated to accommodate the popular Crow's Nest lounge, where patrons can not only enjoy their favorite adult beverages, but the restaurant's full menu, karaoke music and occasional live entertainment. The Linden Hotel, built in 1840 in the heart of downtown Linden, was the community's center of activity, according to its history. It was well known in the early days as the "Exchange," described as "one of the first enterprises with permanence in the young and sprouting settlement of Warner Mills. It was later known as the "House of Plenty," a description still fitting today with all that The Linden Hotel has to offer. Owned by Jack and Rose Furry since 1993, the business is now managed by the Furry's three adult children - Mike, Sharon and Karen. While Jack and Rose are retired, they are still involved in the overall operation of The Linden Hotel. Rose, according to Henry, often comes to the restaurant over the weekend to make up batches of her famous soups and authentic Italian dishes, reflecting her heritage. Jack is still involved in the financial end of the business. Henry has been with the restaurant for just over two years, after a six-year stint as chef at Mystic Creek Golf Club in Milford. "I'm here for the long-term," said Henry of his career in Linden. He describes the Furrys as a wonderful family and employers that care of their employees. "Jack and Rose gave me the ways and means to do my own thing short of owning the place," said Henry, who someday dreams of having his own restaurant. The Linden Hotel used to be known for their "burgers," said Henry. Today, the greatly expanded menu includes a variety of tempting steaks, like the 20-ounce Porterhouse and 16-ounce New York Strip Steak. The ribs, made with a special homemade sauce, are very popular, Henry said. Special Italian dishes are also a big hit with hungry patrons. The recipes are all authentic. "They're dishes you would find in Italy," said Henry. The vast seafood menu at The Linden Hotel is also quite popular, as are the Wednesday night fish frys, he added. For those who prefer homestyle cooking, those visiting The Linden Hotel may wish to try the mouthwatering Meatloaf, Liver and Onions, or the Grilled Pork Chops. There isn't a seafood dish out there that Henry can't prepare. "I've worked with every fish there is," he said. Pasta lovers will delight in the offerings at The Linden Hotel. An array of appetizers and salads are also available. Daily specials are dishes not on the regular menu, and include tasty meals like walleye and delicious pasta dishes such as Pasta Vinenzianna, made with bacon, peas, eggs, and lots of garlic, whipped egg, and Fontina cheese. The dish is rich and creamy and must be served right away, Henry said. Pasta dishes are among Henry's specialties, having worked with a Swiss-Italian chef for nine years, a man that worked as executive chef for Ford Motor Company for 36 years. Though he grew up in the Detroit area, Henry has roots in Louisiana and considers Cajun and Creole cooking among his other specialties. In addition to a full-dining room, The Linden Hotel has a full-serve bar downstairs and the Crow's Nest upstairs. The Furry's daughter Karen manages the Crow's Nest and is very creative, said Henry, talking about the recent Beach Party and 70s Night held in the lounge. Families are encouraged and welcome to dine at The Linden Hotel, Henry said. It's a family-owned business with a family-oriented atmosphere. The Linden Hotel will feature a new menu at the end of this month, with more "upscale" type offerings, Henry said. White tablecloths will be featured in the dining room for those who enjoy a more formal-type atmosphere. But those who prefer casual dining, will find that has not changed at The Linden Hotel. Henry, a city of Fenton resident, said he is quite proud of his own family. His wife, Wendy, is a master gardener and recently became a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. The couple's children attend Tomek-Eastern Elementary School in Fenton. They are Sean, who is almost 10 years old, and 5-year-old Megan. The Linden Hotel, located at 122 E. Broad St. (Silver Lake Road), near the intersection of Broad and Bridge (Linden Road) next to Linden City Hall, is open seven days per week, with the kitchen open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. The Crow's Nest is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. For more information, call The Linden Hotel at (810) 735-5780.

Posted with permission from
Vera Hogan, Author & Editor
Tri-County Times